The abrupt cessation of Russian gas supplies has forced a near-total shutdown of industry in Transdniestria, a pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova, leaving the region grappling with a severe energy and economic crisis.
Sergei Obolonik, Transdniestria's first deputy prime minister, confirmed that all industrial operations, apart from food production, have halted. "The problem is so extensive that if unresolved, enterprises may permanently lose their operational capacity," he warned during a local news broadcast.
The gas cut-off follows Ukraine's decision not to renew a five-year gas transit deal with Russia, which expired on Wednesday. Kyiv, previously earning $1 billion annually in transit fees, cited its ongoing conflict with Moscow as the primary reason. This decision has intensified energy struggles in Transdniestria, home to 450,000 people.
The local energy crisis has led to drastic measures. Transdniestria's energy company cut heating and hot water supplies, urging families to conserve heat by staying in single rooms and using electric heaters. Gas reserves are estimated to last just 10 days in some areas, though southern reserves could stretch to 20 days.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the region's leader, stated that the main power plant has switched to coal to ensure electricity supply through January and February. However, the long-term energy outlook remains bleak.
Transdniestria's reliance on Russian gas had not only fueled its power plant but also supplied electricity to all of Moldova, a nation of 2.5 million people seeking closer ties with the European Union. Moldova's government has responded by increasing energy imports from Romania and cutting consumption by at least a third.
Moldovagaz, Moldova's national gas company, has offered assistance to Tiraspoltransgaz, the separatist region’s gas distributor, to purchase European gas at market rates. However, payment concerns loom large, as Transdniestria has historically relied on Russian gas supplies without payment under a tacit agreement with Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the cessation of Russian gas transit "one of Moscow's biggest defeats" and urged the United States to increase its gas supplies to Europe. Meanwhile, Europe has significantly reduced its dependence on Russian energy, opting for alternatives such as Norwegian piped gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. and Qatar.
Russia, however, blames the U.S. and its allies for the crisis. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Washington and European leaders of prioritizing American economic interests over the welfare of their citizens.
As Transdniestria braces for the harsh winter months, the gas crisis highlights the vulnerabilities of energy-dependent regions amid escalating geopolitical tensions.